The City of Chesapeake is part of Virginia's Hampton Roads, America's First Region, located at the midpoint of the U.S. Atlantic Coast and 3.5 hours south of Washington, DC. Two-thirds of the U.S. population and industrial production are within 750 miles (1,200 km) of Chesapeake, one of the 100 largest cities in America, and one of the best locations for business investment and quality of life. Together with the neighboring cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton and Newport News, Chesapeake makes up a dynamic MSA of nearly 1.6 million people. 20 countries from 5 continents are represented in Chesapeake’s business community.

Based on the city’s pro-business climate, Chesapeake’s economy continues to generate multi-million dollar business investments and high demand jobs year after year. Five major business districts are concentrated in the northern half of the city, comprising one of the strongest business climates in the Mid-Atlantic region. Chesapeake’s economy is recognized as one of the strongest and most highly skilled workforces in the U.S. The area has achieved great success in recruiting and retaining new and existing companies that have an impact and strong community presence. Known for its excellent telecommunications and transportation infrastructure, Chesapeake has become a desired location for businesses. In fact, nearly 20 percent of the region’s largest employers are located here.

Chesapeake is consistently ranked by the FBI as one of the five safest U.S. cities with populations over 200,000. It is a family-oriented city with a pace that's in keeping with the dynamic global business community. Its location at the heart of Hampton Roads ensures that cultural and recreational opportunities to suit every taste abound. Chesapeake embraces the global village concept, blending the best of America with the cosmopolitan influences of nearly 50 foreign-based companies from 18 different countries. The quality school system employs more teachers with master’s degrees than any other in Virginia. The Chesapeake Conference Center offers the ideal setting for corporate and social events, whether for 10 or 2,000 guests.

As the transportation hub of the region, Chesapeake has all four Interstates – I-64, I-264, I-464 and I-664 converging there.

Chesapeake also played a significant role in the founding of America, with the historic Battle of the Great Bridge and construction of the Great Dismal Swamp Canal. Today, Chesapeake honors its position in history with a vibrant present and promising future.

Chesapeake was formed through the merger of the city of South Norfolk and Norfolk County in 1963. It’s a community of communities, each with a distinctive history. During the 1960s and 1970s, the young city began to develop a comprehensive network of city services, including police and fire protection, schools, libraries, parks and recreation, health, utilities, land use planning, transportation network and more.

Chesapeake is replete with beautiful parks, lakes and rivers, culturally diverse events, and some of the best places to shop on the East Coast. It’s a community of communities, each with a distinctive history. Chesapeake is replete with beautiful parks, lakes and rivers, culturally diverse events, and some of the best places to shop on the East Coast.

Chesapeake, has been ranked as one of the six best places to live by Money magazine, is a vibrant community that enjoys the best of two worlds; one of urban variety, culture and excitement, and another of rural landscapes and relaxed country living. It is also consistently ranked by the FBI as one of the five safest U.S. cities with populations over 200,000, which lends to the safe, community atmosphere that residents enjoy.

Chesapeake has more miles of deepwater canals than any other city in the country and is part of the Intracoastal Waterway, stretching from Maine to Florida. Over the last decade, many national and international companies have taken advantage of the city’s port-related activities, atmosphere and highly-qualified labor market by relocating to Chesapeake.